VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Axle locks (c-clips)

Hi folks,
Rebuilding rear end on my ”˜54 210 and need to replace my original axle locks as they have signs of fatigue/cracking. According to the parts books these are part# 472613 with fitment for ”˜38-”˜54 passenger car and ”˜53-”˜55 corvette. My originals measure 1.5” OD and about 0.12” thickness. Does anyone know if these are still available or any suitable replacements? I’m finding that the new ones currently available (Dorman, etc) are larger than the originals and too thick (0.15” or greater) to fit in the axle shaft slot. Thanks for any suggestions.

The easy cheep way would be a belt sander. These are usually not under a huge amount of stress. The correct way would be to set them in a precision surface grinder and take off .003". If using the first method don't get them hot. Someone will probably correct me but I think they were mild steel. Definitely do not reuse a well worn stress cracked "C" clip.

Art

Thank you for the suggestion Art.